National Archives of Australia
Canberra Office
Series F315 Item 1949/189
Groote Eylandt Child Endowment(F H Grey) Northern Territory 1947 - 1950
15. 2.1948 Gerald Blitner and his wofe Jessie Blitner, both halfcastes
are now residing on the Settlement.
3. 1.1949 Letter from Groote Eylandt Native Settlement to Director
of Native Affairs Darwin.
Re: Native Nangurama, aged about 22 years
For the past two or three years this native has been causing
trouble by interfering with Tumakidja the wife of Mowata an aged Native
at the Settlement. At the moment our adult natives are on holidays and
I understand the woman Tumakidja has gone to Nangurama's camp.
I am afraid that unless something is done rhere will be a
spearing for Mowata has several grown up sons who are anxious to help
heir father and I would suggest that Nangurama is removed from this
Island for several years.
..................................................................
Nangurama is the Native I wrote to you about recently in connection
with the spearing of Mick; I think that he feels that he can now defy all the
natives.
The woman is middle aged and past child bearing age.
Nangurama has had no wife promised to him but some years ago
I was able to procure the promise of a young girl who was put into the
Dormitary here. This girl will be of marriagable age in about five
years time.
Undated List of natives who came in from the Mainland 4. 2.1949NameRelnSexAgeNotes
Nund...l? H M Aged
Luoiingau? W1 F
Muncinga W2 F
Tami:a Ch2 F
Tamboieidja W3 F
Tuarrpoin Ch3 M 7 mths
Wi:irrti W4 F Aged
Bulungoii W5 F
Markoma W6 F
Warambalei Ch6 M May be Narambalei
Warambalei Ch6 M 8 yrs May be Narambalei
Djuldjul W7 M
Purrdjal Ch7 F 4 yrs
Marrkal Ch7 M 9 yrs
Wadjingboi Ch M 10 yrs
Bokalangi Ch M 7 yrs
Mi:lawartain Ch M 8 yrs
(Usual district Blue Mud Bay.)
Li:agrein H M
Waluka W F
Wanul Ch F 3 mths
Womanin Ch M 3 yrs
Luma-luma Ch M 9 yrs
(Usual district Blue Mud Bay.)
Wokuti H M
Luah W F
Menjango Ch F 3 mths
Batdja Ch M 7 yrs
(This man came in in January with three other wives
who are all at the settlement.)
Djimbarion H M
Jarula W1 F
Mandupa W2 F
Djerwien Ch1 M 3 yrs
Tikara Ch2 F 4 mths
Bi:pila Ch2 M 7 yrs
Tula Ch2 M 11 yrs
Wandoii W3 F Child wife
(Usual district Blue Mud Bay.)
Wi:alli H M
Mutaangbi Ch M 4 yrs
(No wife here but one child. This man lived at the
settlement for some years.)
Nama H M
Urrumli? W1 F
Miakarangi Ch1 M 4 mths
Janbarra Ch1 M 8 yrs
Karukaru W2 F
(This man is a son of Wongu. Caledon Bay district.)
Wongu H M Aged
Min-min W1 F Aged
Muruoipi W2 F
Munalal Ch2 F
Wangoii W3 F
Mungali Ch3 M
(A great number of this man's wives have been left on
Woodah Island and near Point Arrowsmith.
This man is reputed head of the Caledon Bay tribe. I
understand that he and his sons Mama, and Nakija were
driven away from Yirrkala Mission some time last year
by some of Wongu's other sons.)
Mouanbi H M
Mangari W1 F 19 yrs
Njapo Ch1 M 2 yrs
Nungirina W2 F 10 yrs
Kurrundul W3 F 15 yrs
Wapuki W4 F 14 yrs
(This man has other wives which he has left over
on Woodah Island. He seems to be collecting numerous
young wives while many of his brothers have none.)
Nakija M
(All wives belonging to this man have been left on
Woodah and mainland.)
Single men
Notipi (Mopiti), 18 years, son of Wongu
Djoa-djoa 18 years, son of Wongu
Lambi, 11 years, son of Wongu
Kapujingi, 15 years, son of Wongu
Tungi, 10 years, son of Wongu
Djau-djau, 25 years, son of Diliara
Bungapulau, 21 years, son of Diliara
(Sons of Diliara (Clara) who was captured by the Caledons from
Lough's boat some years ago. Another son is at the settlement,
Timer.)
Kouarim, 17 years
Tanawipi, 17 years
Kungata, 12 years
Aged Women
Diliara (Clara)
Undated Notification of natives having received treatment for Yaws
at the Groote Eylandt Native Settlement 24. 3.1949
All the following natives are from the mainland belonging to the
Baloomoo tribe, usually living in the region between Blue Mud Bay
and Caledon Bay.
Arriapo, aged 2 years, male, child of Mouanbi
Lungurrka, aged 5 years, female, child of Wongu
Karrmajie, aged 20 months, male, child of Wokuti
Nyalung, aged 24 years, female
Maira, aged 11 years, male
Ularrku, aged 4 1/2 years, child of Jungi
Undated List circa 1949 entitled 'Members of the Balamoomoo tribe residing at the
Groote Eylandt Native Settlement
Jungie
Japarie, wife
Tundoii, child aged 12 years
Ularrku, child born 29. 6.1944
Mulkun, child born 25.??.1942
Wuaarrku, child born 28. 8.1948
Metili, child born 18. 1.1949
(Comment - father of this girl deceased. ?Father of Metili.)
Wokuti
Nyalung, wife
Bumjimda, wife
Karrmaji, child born 30. 1.1947
Junwier, child born 20. 7.1944
Jumboa, child born 1. 2.1942
Bokarra, child born 4. 6.1948
Teriteri, single man
Timer, single man, son of Diliara and Nomi. Nomi was killed by
Natchelma. Former Borroloola woman captured by Caledon Bay
natives in Port Bradshaw when they attacked crew of one of
Mr Lough's boats. This mans name is a corruption of Steamer.
Wial, single, aged 12 years, son of Karukaru
Muira, single, aged 12 years, son of Mundakul of Blue Mud Bay.
Mother's name Wi:irrti?
Kumuk, single
Bundaka, single
Letter dated 6. 2.1949 from the Groote Eylandt Native
Settlement to the Director of Native Affairs.
Dear Sir
On friday last a number of Caledon Bay and Blue Mud Bay natives
came into this Settlement and herewith enclosed you will find a list of all
the men women and children. Apart from this list there are twenty others who
have been in some weeks.
I am not sure of the reasons of the migration but I heard
early last year that some of these men had been driven from Yirrkala Mission
by others of their tribe. I understand that Wongo is going back shortly
to the mainland to fetch his wives that are left there but it is too soon
for me to come to any real reason of why they have come and if all they say
is correct.
My first impression is that they are tired of the bush and want
somewhere to settle; that they have broken tribal laws and have to keep away
from the remainder of the tribe, and I should not be surprised if it is not
due to the numerous wives one or two of the men are collecting. For instance
I notice that some of the men have taken very young girls of six or seven
years of age. Though this practice was prevalent on Groote Eylandt years ago
I never came across a case among the Caledon tribes. Girls always stayed with
their parents until puberty.
There is I believe going to be a big problem before very long
for I cannot see how a man like Mouanbi can hold eight young wives when he
has a large number of single brothers. It is also unfortunate for the
Settlement that they should come in at a time when our own marriage problems
have been fairly well settled.
Yours faithfully
F H Gray
1. 3.1949 Unfortunately there have been three deaths among the party,
a child 4 months old, a girl of 15 years who gave birth to
twins which also died. I should have said 4 deaths. Names
of the child and girl are on your list and are as follows
Miakarangi, 4 months, son of Mama and Urrmaii
Kurrundul, 15 years, wife of Mouanbi
The native Mundakul has been very sick all the time he has been
at the Settlement but is much better now. I think that the man's
illness was the cause of the migration to the Settlement.
31. 3.1949 One man, Nandjirrpia, was taken to Darwin Hospital and treated
for a stomach abscess.
3. 4.1949 On saturday it was brought to my notice that native Barankwa
who was camped near the Flying Boat base had taken a girl child about
six or seven years old to his camp away from the control of her
father Mandawarra. I went and saw Barankwa and brought the child over to
the Settlement and placed her with a sister who is in the Dormitary.
Barankwa stated that the father of the girl had given her to him, the
father stated that Barankwa had forcibly taken the child from him. The
circumstances are such that either story could be correct so I thought
not to give the child into the control of the father; neither
Mandawarra or Barankwa objected to my taking the child away.
I am not sure if this child had been an inmate of the
C.M.S. mission at any time so I have written to Mr Harris to advise him
of what I have done and if he considers the girl to be a Mission child
to come and fetch her or, if I am sending the boat that way I can send
her down. I understand from Mr Harris that he had some trouble with
Barankwa and an older sister of this girl some little while ago.
Barankwa is married and has three children by his wife; I have had no
other trouble from him and he is a good working man. At the time of
this affair he was herding goats near the Flying Boat Base, Mandawarra
who does not work at the Settlement came over from Woodah Island with
four other natives his wife and two children. Personally I blame this
man for bringing the child over for he knows the Air Base is a
prohibited area he also knows Barankwa is in line for his children.
Mandawarra and the other natives have now crossed over to the other
side of Port Langdon.
4. 7.1949 Warrant has been issued for the arrest of Meetpoonoong as the result
of an enquiry into the death of his wife Mimboolooloo in the vicinity
of Bruru Waterhole near the headquarters of the Rose River. Enquiry
held at Roper River Mission.
30. 6.1949 Native Nandjirrpia returned from Darwin Hospital, but was taken
back again. It is now suspected he may be a leper.
Native Nangurama was taken to Darwin by the Patrol boat 'Kuru' and
handed over to the Director of Native Affairs.
Undated One of Gray's natives, Nangurama, was committed to
Darwin this year and was brought in by P.V. 'Kuru'. He thinks
Nangurama is to stay away from Groote Eylandt for twelve
months but he suggests that the committal should be for three
years as a warning to other natives not to break tribal laws.
Aborigines have in the past been sent to Darwin from Groote
Eylandt as a punishment but their removal has been more in the
nature of a holiday.I refer in particular to those Groote
Islanders who were employed by Qantas at Berrimah in 1946 and
who later returned to their country with over three tons of
supplied and presents.
Nandjirrpia is another of Gray's natives who this year
came to Darwin as a leper suspect. Information about him is
desired.
Also mentions Jerry Blitner. Jessie Blitner desires to obtain
the addresses of her brother Wilfred and sisters Cecily and
Ida Huddleston.
Edward Herbert, part Aboriginal, is in charge of the boys
Dormitary and also controls working parties.
29. 9.1949 Mentions Jerry Blitner halfcaste. Patrol to catch Mick Noanoa.
On 8.10.1949 Mick, with his four wives and sixteen children
were caught about 18 miles south of the Groote Eylandt Church
Missionary Society Settlement. Also mentions native assistant
Albert Oolah-boog-goo. Mick's family were left at the Mission
and Mick was taken to Darwin.
Mr Short, Acting Superintendent of the Groote Eylandt
Mission, informed me that young halfcaste girl Hazel
is ready to go to a halfcaste institution.
25.11.1949 Jessie Blitner of Umbakumba requested whereabouts of her siblings.
Wilfred Huddlestone, St Francis House, Park Avenue, Semaphore, S.A.
Cecily Huddlestone, St Mary's Hostel, Alice Springs, N.T.
Ida Huddlestone, Normanhurst Private Hospital, 1 Chandos St,
Ashfield, Sydney, N.S.W.. Training to be a Nurse.
8. 2.1950 Aborigines ex Groote Eylandt employed by Qantas Airways
24. 7.1946 to 19.11.1946
European names
Banjo
Bill
Borneo
Coolah
Dabo
Old George
Young George
Hindu
Hommeak
Jim
Johnny
Old Johnny
Ken
Mack
Mundoker
Nakercomer
Pearie
Ray
Snowy
Tom
Aboriginal NamesBickerton Side
Joorunga
Noorungwingee
Homer
Tahbo
Hindoo
Morey
Ginua
Malawonga
Marajua
Nargunga
Manguar
Yetibah Side
Goolah
Namiungwa
Banjo
Culpiah
Wania
Mungagema
Mangargee
Nagaguma
Nagajima
The European names were those known to Qantas. The Aboriginal
names were those recorded by the Roper River Police. There is
no way to reconcile the two lists even though the lists are
the same people.
23. 2.1950 Nanjirrpia died Darwin Hospital 23rd February 1950.
Baby Tumamalkabala still sich.
27. 2.1950 Alleged murder at Umbakumba
The Groote Eylandt native Bunaia fatally wounded a former
Caledon Bay aboriginal Djow-Djow.
Others mentioned were
Nangwollia
Minni Minni
Bukunda
8. 2.1950 Aborigines ex Groote Eylandt employed by Qantas Airways
24. 7.1946 to 19.11.1946
This list gives Aboriginal and European Names
European NameAboriginal Name
Banjo Banjo
Bill Namiungwa
Borneo Nagaguma
Coolah Goola
Dabo Tahbo
Old George Marajua
Young George Joorunga
Hindu Hindoo
Hommeak Homer
Jim Nagajima
Johnny Noorungwingee
Old Johnny Nargunga
Ken Ginua
Mack Mangagena
Mundoker Mangargee
Nakercomer Wania
Pearie Culpiah
Ray Morey
Snowy Manguar
Tom Malawonga
9. 3.1950 Mentions Durraia
20. 5.1948 Gray's Native Settlement at Umbacumba Report
Mentions
Mr Gerald Blitner and Mrs Jessie Blitner halfcastes
Edward Herbert halfcaste
Nangurama committed to Darwin
Nandjirrpia sent to Darwin as leper suspect
20. 4.1950 The following are being returned from Darwin
Nunga Walya
Mung Weeda
Ber Kwanya
Nandja Reega
Kumbi Hiala
Ta Tarra
Deema
19. 4.1950 Gerald Blitner
Gray wants Gerald Blitner and his wife Jessie to leave the
Settlement after they criticised him. Jessie is pregnant.
Also mentions
Jock Cassidy
Fred McCaw
Bob Renner
Jack Hogan
31. 3.1950 One mainland native, Djow-djow was speared by Groote Eylandt
native, Bunaia, and died from the wound.
21. 4.1950 Catalina loading for Umbacumba.
Witnesses returned to Umbacumba
Nunga Walya
Nunga Walya
Mung Weeda
Ber Kroanya
Nandja Reeda
Kunbi Hiala
Ta-Tarra
Deema
The following were left at Berrimah
Bunaia, defendant
Minni Minni, witness
Nangnara, witness
Nadjunga Murra (Mick) and Nah-Ur-Amah have been committed
to Darwin for different periods from Umbacumba. They are
living at Berrimah.
The following hospital patients have been returned to Umbacumba
Nardjunga, male
Tapada, lubra
Tamierra, Tapada's daughter
Corilla, female child
Tiapingerilla, female child
Tumanialkabala, female child
4. 5.1950 Aborigine Tumuntukapa and her two children are at Bagot
Road Hospital with Mini-mini.
Aborigine Bunaia will be leaving Darwin with Patrol
Officer Ryan.
9. 5.1950 Has Narrdjunga been diagnosed yet.
10. 5.1950 Narrdjunga will be operated on for appendicitis.
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